The Spirit of Helen

About the Book

A user-friendly, concise hand-book that every visitor to Helen, Georgia's Alpine Village needs. More than a handful of brochures and less than a detailed history book, this book was written for the benefit of the tourists.

The overview of the history and the metamorphosis of the mountain town to an Alpine Village makes the reader aware of the many changes and struggles encountered in making this one of Georgia's leading tourist destinations.

Photos show the great contrast of Helen in 1969, and Helen, the Alpine Village today. Other photos highlight people, places and activities.

The town and the surrounding area in the beautiful north east Georgia mountains (the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains) offers limitless recreational opportunities. This book gives basic information on hiking trails, waterfalls, attractions, unique shopping, historical sites, activities and events to help the reader maximize his visit.

Maps are included giving locations of major points of interest.

A section on resources available gives detailed information on how to contact businesses, government agencies (i.e., Georgia State Parks, National Forest Service, Georgia Department of Industry Trade and Tourism, etc.) and local agencies (i.e., Chambers of Commerce, Welcome Centers, etc)

The Journal section at the back of the book is a place where visitors can personalize their book by making notes about their trip and adding some of their own photos.

For more information about the book please visit www.gotoalpinehelen.com

Comments about the Book

"I have read the book three times and learned something new each time. I tell everyone they need a copy"

Marie A.

"This brings back such wonderful memories"

Helen F.

"We used the book constantly on our visit to tell us what to see and do. We always had it with us."

Visitors from Florida

"I wish I had had the book when we were in town, instead of getting it later. I loved the idea of a place to keep my own notes and memories in the book."

Brenda T.

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About the Author

Martha I. Clyburn, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, has been living in the Helen area since 1972. She has been actively involved in the community as a volunteer, a Chamber of Commerce employee, and a business owner.

Her work with tour groups through the Chamber of Commerce and through her Mountains Express Group Services as well as her other businesses has given her knowledge of what the tourist wants to know.

She has been a writer all her life. She has written for tourist publications and newspapers. For over a year she created a full-page weekly presentation on things to see and do in North Georgia for The Times in Gainesville, Georgia. Other articles have been features in High Country Magazine and The Mountain Tourister. She was also the author of a book on mountain arts and crafts written for use in Adult Education classes, and has written and published poetry, much of which is related to travel.

Martha currently owns Antiquity Realty, Mountains Express Group Services (MEGS), and Expressions From Heart and Hills. MEGS offers step-on guide guide service and planning services for tour planners. Expressions from Heart and Hills is her creative arts company through which she offers post-cards, photos, and her writing. She is a member of the International Women's Writing Guild.

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